New JerseyCasino trespass would become a more serious crime in New Jersey
New Jersey would treat knowing trespass at licensed casino and hotel complexes as a fourth-degree crime, which can bring prison time and higher fines.
What it does
People who enter or secretly stay at a licensed casino and hotel complex, knowing they lack permission, would face up to 18 months in prison, fines up to $10,000, or both.
Argument forHigher penalties could discourage knowing trespass at casino complexes, helping staff keep people who lack permission from entering or staying.
Argument againstPeople convicted of casino trespass could face much longer prison terms and larger fines for entering or secretly staying without permission.
More detail
New Jersey would raise casino trespass to a fourth-degree crime. Covered sites are licensed casino and hotel complexes approved and regulated by New Jersey's casino agencies. Defenses would remain for abandoned buildings or buildings open to the public when all lawful access rules are followed. A reasonable belief that an authorized person would allow entry or staying would also remain a defense. The change would take effect immediately upon becoming law.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 19Introduced, Referred to Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts CommitteeIntroduced
Criminal JusticePublic Safety